Record levels of capital markets activity during the first six months of the year failed to lift the volume of worldwide mergers and acquisitions as chief executives remained cautious about launching big deals.

Investment banking league tables for second quarter

For an overview of investment banks’ performance in the fields of M&A, debt and equity issuance and loans over the last quarter, go to our interactive graphic

Non-financial groups raised almost $887bn in the bond markets in the first half, 64 per cent more than the same period last year when $540.3bn was raised, according to data from Dealogic.